By Sallieu S. Kanu
Rokupr & Mile 91, October 9, 2025: In a bold move to accelerate Sierra Leone’s agricultural transformation, President Dr Julius Maada Bio has officially launched 30 new high-performing seed varieties and inaugurated the National Seed Testing Laboratory at Mile 91. These twin milestones mark a significant leap forward in the government’s flagship Feed Salone Strategy aimed at achieving national food self-sufficiency.
Speaking at the historic Rokupr Agricultural Research Centre in Kambia District, President Bio praised the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) for its 91-year legacy of scientific excellence and innovation. He highlighted the centre’s pivotal role in developing pioneering rice varieties such as “ROK” and NERICA lines, which have shaped rice production across West Africa.
“Rokupr has always been a beacon of agricultural science in Sierra Leone,” President Bio declared. “It has consistently demonstrated that science in the service of the people can change lives and shape the destiny of our nation.”
30 New Seed Varieties Released
The President officially released 30 new seed varieties — 13 rice, 9 cassava, and 8 maize — all certified by the National Seed Certification Committee as climate-resilient and high-yielding. These varieties are tailored to local conditions and are expected to significantly boost productivity and food sovereignty.
“I expect government agencies, seed producers, and the private sector to work with SLARI so that these varieties are rapidly multiplied and distributed nationwide,” he urged.
President Bio reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting SLARI through increased research funding, upgraded laboratories, and expanded private sector engagement in seed systems and technology adoption.
Later in the day, President Bio inaugurated the state-of-the-art National Seed Testing Laboratory at Mile 91, describing it as a “practical pillar of the Feed Salone agenda.” The facility will enable local testing, certification, and quality control of seeds — a critical step in building a reliable and high-performing seed system.
“No crop, no yield, and no harvest can survive shaky seed systems,” the President emphasized. “Certified and climate-resilient seeds are fundamental to making farming profitable.”
He commended the Sierra Leone Seed Certification Agency (SLeSCA) for its leadership and congratulated Executive Director Dr Chakanda on his recent election as President of the Regional Seed and Planting Material Committee of West Africa — the first Sierra Leonean to hold the position.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Henry Musa Kpaka, hailed the President’s leadership in revitalizing SLARI, especially following the enactment of the SLARI Act in 2023. He noted that Sierra Leone has not imported seeds for two consecutive years, a testament to the effectiveness of SLARI and SLeSCA.
“SLARI remains pivotal to the government’s Feed Salone flagship programme,” Dr Kpaka said. “Thanks to the President’s support, 12 SLARI researchers are currently pursuing PhD programmes.”
SLARI Director General Dr Abdulrahman Conteh called the occasion a “historic turning point” and highlighted the institute’s six research stations nationwide, each contributing to value chain development in crops, livestock, forestry, and horticulture.
President Bio also expressed gratitude to development partners including FAO, CORAF, AGRA, IAEA, IITA, and the World Bank’s Food Systems Resilience Programme for their continued support.
“This laboratory is not the finish line,” he stated. “It is the base from which our transformation must accelerate.”
Reaffirming his government’s direction under Feed Salone, President Bio concluded: “Sierra Leone cannot continue to rely on imported food and imported seed. We must transform from a food-importing to a food-producing nation. And that transformation starts with seeds.”
He called on farmers, researchers, seed entrepreneurs, and private sector actors to work together with integrity, innovation, and national responsibility to sustain the momentum of Feed Salone.